understanding coverages and attacking them with passing game

8/6/2019 Understanding Coverages and Attacking Them With Passing Game

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Understanding coverages and attacking them with passing game

There are many qualities that a quarterback must possess. However, the most obvious is

the QBs ability to throw the football. Throwing the football requires a tremendous amount

of coordination and teamwork for proper execution. The QB can make up for some

deficiencies with proper reads. Whether it is the Pre-Snap Read, Reading on the Move, or

Adjustments in routes, the QBs recognition, anticipation and reaction are based upon his

knowledge of the offense as it relates to what he sees.

Pre-snap read

The QB must make a Pre-Snap Read confirming the defensive secondarys alignment.

The PSR provides the QB with help in making the proper throwing decision; i.e., allows the

QB to establish his thought process prior to the snap. There will be many times when the

QB can determine what the coverage is before the snap. About eighty percent (80%) of the

time the coverage will be given away by someones alignment in the secondary, typically

the second defender inside. Even when the total coverage is not given away, through

observation of particular alignments, you will be able to eliminate some coverages or

narrow to a Hard Focus area. The QB must approach the LOS the same way every play

and get his hands under the center. The PSR process includes a Soft Gaze left, middleand right. The purpose is to identify (1) the depth of the corners, (2) number of safeties, (3)

weakside flat defender, and (4) the number of run defenders (front):

Find the Free Safety (FS) and Strong Safety (SS) to determine the type of front

seven-man or eight-man. If the safeties adjust to motion, be aware of a possible blitz.

Find the weakside linebacker (Whip (W)). This is a crucial read to recognize an outside

blitz. It is the QBs responsibility to adjust the protection to handle the outside blitz or

allow the receivers to read HOT.

The PSR is only the first step in the throwing decision. The QB must identify the primary

defender (the Key) to read (Hard Focus) and determine where to throw the ball. The

Key is determined by the pattern and the related PSR. The ball is thrown based upon what

the Key does within the QBs line of sight. For example, on a strong side route the PSR

must identify the SS. Upon the snap the strong safety can either man-up, cover the flat,

cover deep third (1/3) or cover deep quarter (), and it is the SSs action that allows the QB

to decide where to throw the ball. Depending upon the route, the SSs action might change

the key (Reading on the Move [ROM]) to the Corner (C) or FS. The QB will make

their throwing decision based upon what happens in his Hard Focus area and the related

routes within the line of sight; i.e., does the Key rotate, invert or play man. When the QB

keys defenders, not receivers, there are fewer throws into coverage.

- Basic Coverages

A brief summary of coverages, including strengths, weakness, and how to attack them

follows. The summaries include a place (Patterns) for the coach and QB to write in their

specific routes to attack the coverages. These are the basic coverages: Invert (sky);

Rotate (cloud); Two Deep, Man Under Two; Man with a Free; Man Zero; Quarter,

Quarter, Half; Zone Blitz; Robber; and Prevent.
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Three Deep Invert (Sky)

The PSR is based on the alignment of SS and C on the strong side. Teams will typically

define the TE as the strong side, however a scouting report will provide this information. If

the SS is aligned with less depth than the C, the read is an invert by the SS; i.e., the SS is

covering the flat, if a receiver is in the flat. Confirm 3D coverage by the alignment of the

FS. If the FS is off the hash and favoring the middle, assume that it will be a 3D. Also the

QB must be aware of the weak side, if the Weakside Linebacker (W) is in a stack (lined-

up behind a defensive lineman or end) or walk (off the LOS outside the end) position, it

denotes a soft corner, with W responsible for the weak flat. If the end (E) is up on the

LOS or in a three (3) point stance, assume he will rush. If you are throwing to the strong

side upon the snap you can determine whether E is coming or has curl or flat.

- Strengths

1. Safe always three deep2. strong side force against the run

3. SS can get under an out and may be able to get under a stop or flat depending upon the

wide receiver splits4. can cover eight zones with a three man rush

5. can still bring four with strong side contain and have seven in coverage
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5. cannot cover a flood route (three or four [3 or 4] receivers in the pattern) force and

contain away from rotation

- How to attack it

1. Flood routes throw in the alley created by sending three on two in the perimeter (floodtype routes)

2. plenty of pass protection

3. quick passes away from the rotation4. run away from rotation

5. get TE involved

Two Deep Five Under (Cover 2)

The PSR is based on the depth of the Cs and safeties. The Cs will usually be outside of the

wide receivers and the safeties will be near the hash marks, aligned deeper than the

corners. If the ball is on the hash, look to the strong side defensive back for their alignment

because the safety will naturally be on the hash. If the end (E) drops to the curl, then allsix (6) underneath zones are covered. When W has outside leverage on the second receiver,

assume W has flat and rule out two (2) deep, five (5) under coverage and is possibly 3D

rotation or Quarter-Quarter, Half.

- Strengths

1. Strong versus run2. leverage on both wide receivers

3. cover five (5) of the six (6) underneath zones

4. four (4) man rush


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5. takes away the outs

6. can hold up the TE7. weakside force and contain

- Weaknesses

1. Safeties must cover half () the field; i.e., the three (3) deep zones are covered by two

2. inside receiver down the middle

3. LBs must cover curl4. strong side contain

5. weak inside linebacker to curl

6. wide splits can create lanes

- How to attack it

1. Use Spread Formations to horizontally stretch the safeties

2. vertically stretch the flats to create lanes

3. a natural hole twenty to twenty-five (20-25) yards along the sidelines

4. weakside curl5. corner routes

6. flood type routes

Cover 2 Man / Man under two-deep

This coverage is man-to-man with help over the top in the two (2) deep zones. This

coverage allows the defense to bracket or double two (2) receivers. The PSR is based on the

alignment of the Cs on the wide receivers. If the safeties give a 2D look (safeties near the

hash marks, aligned deeper than the Cs) and both Cs are up tighter or looking primarily

at the receiver instead of the QB, then Man Under Coverage (MUC) is confirmed. The

Cs are the primary key, as they will usually be head up or shaded to the outside of the wide

receivers. Also, the undercover (LBs) will be head-up or at least in position to cover their

man. Motion will force the undercover to adjust or run with the receiver.

Strengths

1. Double or bracket two receivers

2. four man rush

3. every potential receiver is accounted for (covered)4. can bump because each defender has help over the top

5. excellent versus zone type routes or screens

Weaknesses

1. Poor run support

2. mismatch with the backs versus linebackers3. hard to disguise versus motion

4. three (3) deep zones are not covered

5. one on one underneath6. crossing routes

7. bunch and snug type sets


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- How to attack it

1. Back routes on the linebackers2. create mismatches with the TE running option (read) routes

3. stay shallow with routes, catch the ball short and run long

4. crossing routes (mesh) with the wide receivers5. TE in the alley or fades to the wide receivers

6. running plays

7. use motion

Cover 1 man / Man-to-man with a free safety.

This coverage is man-to-man with a FS to help over the top. The PSR is based on the

alignment of the Cs and linebackers on the receivers. The Cs will be head up or in an

outside alignment because they have help from the FS. This allows the Cs to take away theouts. Also, if the SS aligns head up on his eligible receiver at a tight to normal depth (four

to six [4-6] yards) and the FS is deeper than normal (twelve to fifteen [12-15] yards), this

will confirm the Man with a Free (MwF) coverage. The linebackers will have the backs

man-to-man. The QB should anticipate pressure from a five (5) man rush, with the

possibility of the defense bringing seven (7). The QB must identify whether a blitz is

coming and throw the ball to the defenders vacated spot (i.e., hot read) or add protection

with an audible.


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Strengths

1. Pressure from a five (5) man rush2. every potential receiver is accounted for (covered)

3. defenders have help to the post excellent versus screens and delays

4. Cs can play a tight man as they have help from the FS crowd the receivers on third andfive or longer

5. excellent versus zone routes

6. can take away the outs with an outside technique by the Cs7. speed on speed good blitz coverage

- Weaknesses

1. Poor run support

2. mismatch with the backs versus linebackers

3. hard to disguise versus motion4. three deep zones are not covered

5. no under cover crossing routes


- How to attack it

1. Back routes on the linebackers

2. create mismatches with the TE running option (read) routes

3. stay shallow with routes, catch the ball short and run long4. crossing routes (mesh) with the wide receivers

5. TE in the alley or fades to the wide receivers

6. running plays

7. coverage away from FS by looking off


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Cover 0 / Man-to-man blitz with no deep safety

This coverage is a straight man-to-man with no safety help. The PSR is based on thealignment of the safeties. Usually in Man coverage, the SS will play head up on the TE and

the FS will play shallow on the weak side. Typically, there is no safety in the middle of the

field. We can confirm this coverage by the inside leverage alignment by the Cs on the wide

receivers. The Cs need this alignment as they have no inside help. The QB should

anticipate pressure from a blitz. The QB must identify whether a blitz is coming and throw

the ball to the defenders vacated spot or a crossing receiver; i.e., hot read. The QB could

audible to add pass protection.

- Strengths

1. Pressure (blitz capability) and penetration from a six to seven man rush2. big play potential

3. clog up the running lanes inside

4. force the offense to throw short
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- Weaknesses

1. Poor run support2. mismatch with the backs versus linebackers

3. hard to disguise versus motion

4. three deep zones are not covered5. no under cover

6. crossing routes

7. no deep help8. gamble defense


- How to attack it

1. Empty Formations all receivers are one-on-one (but free rusher)

2. tough to cover slants nobody in the middle3. running plays force and secondary force weakened

4. should have somebody open if QB has time

Quarter, Quarter, Half

The Quarter, Quarter, Half (QQH) coverage provides three (3) defenders deep, however

it uses one (1) defender to cover half () of the three (3) deep zones and two (2) defenderseach covering a quarter (). The underneath coverage can utilize four or five (4 or 5)

defenders. This coverage employs a traditional weak side 2D with a squat corner and half

coverage safety. The strong side can employ a multitude of variations (invert and rolls).

The most common is a bail technique by the strong side C covering the deep quarter ()

with the strong side OLB covering curl to flat. The PSR is based on the depth and

alignment of the Cs and safeties. The weakside or side away from the quarters alignment

will look like a 2D with the C head-up or to the outside of the wide receiver and the safety

near the hash marks, aligned deeper than the C. The strong C can be aligned head-up and
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tight, but will bail (retreat) so that they are off six to eight (6-8) yards at the snap. The SS

will be even with the C at the snap, and can also employ a bail technique.

- Strengths

1. Leverage on weak wide receiver, can use bump technique2. deep routes to strong side

3. cover five (5) of the six (6) underneath zones

4. four (4) man rush5. weakside force and contain6. easy to disguise

7. can double (inside/outside) against a single receiver to the weak side

- Weaknesses

1. Weak safety must cover half the field2. flood routes to the strong side

3. S must cover curl and flat

4. strong side contain

5. weak inside linebacker to curl6. wide splits can create lanes

- How to attack it

1. Horizontal stretch on the safety covering half

2. vertically stretch the flats to create lanes3. strong side outs

4. weakside curl

5. cannot cover a flood route (three or four [3 or 4] receivers in the pattern)6. trips type formations & motion


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Zone Blitz

The Zone Blitz is a defensive scheme used to confuse the offensive lines pass protection

schemes, and the QBs reads. A frontal rusher i.e. a linebacker or defensive lineman

briefly engages the offensive lineman, then retreats to his pass zone, if he reads pass. The

blitzers go through their assigned gaps. The droppers replace the blitzers in the pass zone.The coverage could be anything, but the most common zone blitz is the fire zone, which

involves three deep and three intermediate pattern reading defenders.

- Strengths

1. Run lanes are covered2. pressure on the QB confuse protection schemes

3. QB reads are changed

4. easy to disguise

5. can double (inside/outside) against outside receivers and cover underneath zone withdefensive linemen

- Weaknesses

1. Defensive linemen and other defenders in coverage who are not skilled/used to it

limited range2. crossing routes through the underneath coverage

3. play action, if offense can protect
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- How to attack it

1. Horizontal and vertical stretch on the pass zones2. TE versus defensive linemen

3. screen passes

4. play action, with patterns to the backs5. Maximum protection with deep combinations through the open areas

Cover 1 Robber

The Robber coverage is a defensive scheme used to confuse the QBs reads. It is designed to

take away the middle pass zones, both the underneath and deep middle. It can be employed

out of a four across or two deep look. A QB reading through the middle of the field (goal

post) will read man or rotation and attempt to hit crossing routes or attack the deep middle

which is where the robber is. The coverage can also be used with man coverage allowingthe robber helping out in the middle.

- Strengths

1. Middle zones

2. confuse QBs reads3. easy to disguise

4. can double (inside/outside) against inside receivers

5. can lock-on QBs eyes

- Weaknesses

1. Deep outside versus man

2. outside breaking routes by inside receivers

3. play action

- How to attack it

1. Outside on timing routes

2. play action with deep routes

3. crossing routes to the outside versus man
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4. QB must look robber off

5. clear lane throws

Prevent

The Prevent is a defensive scheme designed to force the offense to use time to score. It

protects against the quick scores, while allowing the offense to pick up chuncks of

yardages. The QB must be descipline when facing the Prevent by taking the easy yardage.

At the high school and collegiate level, attack the middle of the prevent because the clock

stops to move the chains for first downs. The defense linemen will use outside rush

techniques to keep the QB in the pocket. The QB must be patient throwing in the

underneath zones to recievers on the run.

- Strengths

1. Deep zones, four defenders deep2. can get under deep outs and curls

3. can keep the QB in the pocket with an outside rush

4. defensive backs can fly to the ball when it is thrown deep5. protect the boundary

- Weaknesses

1. Inside run draws

2. backs on delays to middle3. middle hook zones

4. quick routes on time

5. in the undercover seams

- How to attack it

1. Horizontally stretch the pass zones2. deep crossing routes

3. underneath at twelve yards or less with stops, flats and outs on time

4. empty sets5. draws

6. backs on delays

7. get the ball to speed underneath

Review

A critical component to a successful pass is that the quarterback recognize the coverage.

Materials given to a quarterback (DVD, flash cards)

1. Quick recognition of the secondary.

2. The strengths and weaknesses of the coverage.3. Where to attack the coverage based upon the play called.

understanding coverages and attacking them with passing game

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